With curiosity, passion, and resilience: FHI alumna Antonia Herzog appointed professor at DTU
Antonia Herzog, who completed her PhD in the Interface Science department in 2023, has been appointed as a tenure-track assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) after two years of postdoctoral studies at MIT. With her success story, the young scientist is encouraging women in science to pursue an academic career.
We are delighted that Dr. Antonia Herzog, alumna of the institute and an outstanding young scientist, will have the opportunity to establish her own research group starting in November of this year. She will take up a tenure-track assistant professorship at the Department of Chemistry at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU).
The research focus of her new group will be on sustainable electrosynthesis: Using electrochemical methods, Dr. Herzog aims to produce new chemical compounds needed in the chemical industry from simple building blocks such as carbon dioxide, sulfur, and nitrogen. Sustainability will be the at the heart of the new synthesis pathways. Using operando characterization methods, high-throughput processes, and modern catalyst-electrolyte design, the group’s goal will be to develop new chemical compounds and close gaps in the mechanistic understanding of chemical reactions.
Thus, her new group's research ties in with her work at FHI. During her doctoral studies in the Interface Science department under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Beatriz Roldan Cuenya and Dr. Arno Bergmann, Dr. Herzog conducted research on the electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide. To this end, she investigated how chemical reactions occur on the surface of nanostructured catalysts.
After completing her PhD, Dr. Herzog moved to the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the USA as a postdoctoral researcher, where she expanded her expertise in the field of sustainable electrochemistry. Working under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Yang Shao-Horn in the field of electrochemical energy research, she developed new spectroscopic methods to investigate the electrochemical reduction of nitrogen to ammonia - a sustainable alternative to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process - during operation. Moreover, Dr. Herzog gained insights into new areas such as battery research.
Antonia Herzog's academic career is impressive. Her professorship allows this young scientist to set up her very own research priorities - a milestone in the highly competitive world of science. This is particularly significant for young women, who are still underrepresented in the natural sciences, especially at higher career levels. We are therefore all the more delighted about Dr. Herzog's success and are showcasing her career here also as an inspiration for other women in science!
When asked what inspiration she would give to young female scientists, Dr. Herzog replies: “Above all, I would advise young female scientists to keep their curiosity and enthusiasm alive and not to be discouraged by setbacks. Research thrives on the courage to try new things, even when the results are uncertain.”
Encouraging and supporting each other can be very helpful, according to Dr. Herzog. "Building a strong network early on can be a huge help. Personally, I have often been particularly inspired by female role models, who show that there are many ways to be successful and authentic in science. I had two of those as my PhD (Prof. Roldan) and postdoctoral (Prof. Shao-Horn) advisors. Also influential for me was the experience of working internationally and going abroad; new perspectives, work cultures, and networks broaden one's horizons immensely. And finally, it is also very helpful to find a mentor who can provide guidance and support."
Finally, Dr. Herzog also has some general advice on academic careers: “Don't be afraid to apply early, even if you don't feel quite ready, because by the time you think the time is right, it's usually too late. The right moment often only arises once you take the step.”
We wish Dr. Herzog all the best for her scientific future and look forward to her upcoming research projects.
Education and career of Dr. Antonia Herzog
From November 2025: Tenure-track assistant professorship at the Department of Chemistry at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
2023-2025: Postdoc at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the Electrochemical Energy Laboratory with Prof. Dr. Yang Shao Horn, Research on electrochemical activation and conversion of N2 and CO2 as well as Li-batteries
2019-2023: PhD at the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society in the Interface Science Department with Prof. Dr. Beatriz Roldan Cuenya and Dr. Arno Bergmann and at TU Berlin, PhD thesis: “Operando insights into size and shape-controlled Cu-based nanocatalysts for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 toward C2+ products
2013-2018: Chemistry studies at FU Berlin and TU Berlin
